IF YOU aren't busy checking out the world-famous parade of penguins, koalas or seals at Phillip Island, you'll certainly be meeting their more low-profile co-inhabitants, including rabbits, possums, birds and even the occasional kangaroos, who pop in and say hello to guests at the recently launched Phillip Island Ramada Resort.

"That's part of the beauty of this resort," general manager Mark Fletcher says. "You can bring your family down here and literally sit on the patio or balcony of your villa or cottage and watch the wildlife going about their everyday life activities. It's a pretty soothing experience while you're taking time out from exploring the rest of the island."

The recently refurbished Ramada is right in the middle of the island and is a private nature retreat set on 26ha surrounded by bushland. It is central to everything and only a five-minute drive away from all the attractions on the island, which is only 26km by 9km in size.

While famous for its animal attraction, Phillip Island has plenty more to explore but lining up an itinerary is the tricky part.

Phillip Island Ramada Resort ticks all the boxes with one, two and three-bedroom villas and cottages in a bushland setting. Basically, you get the best of both worlds by setting up camp in a spacious eco option with fully self-contained accommodation only five minutes away from the beaches and attractions.

There is a cool games room for the kids, electronic barbecues, two pool areas (including one indoor lap pool at the health club), tennis courts, and 7km of walking and bike-riding trails for those who want to stay active. There are dining options, too, including the Pizzeria and its popular wood-fired oven pizzas or Numbers Cafe for a feast from a great-value menu.

"One of the biggest drawcards for the Ramada is that for your average family to come away and stay in a three-bedroom cottage, not having to pay $500 or $600 a night is fantastic," general manager Mark Fletcher says.

"And we're always running different specials."

A two-bedroom villa starts around the $180 a night mark through to about $280 for a three-bedroom one.

PLAY

If you're looking to land that elusive, wily old trout and have it prepared and cooked for you by a great chef, you're in luck. Rhyll Trout &Bush Tucker Farm is becoming one of the most popular attractions in Victoria with an entry fee of $9 for adults and $7 for kids aged 4-15 (under 4 free). Armed with rod and bait, you can tackle challenging lake fishing, easy indoor fishing, score fishing lessons, go on the sustainably farmed Bush Tucker Trail, and free use of barbecues.

Remember Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Well, Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory may be the next best thing. It's open every day and it's hard enough to prise yourself away from tasting the Belgian premium handmade chocolate, let alone stop the inner child taking over for all the activities at Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate exhibitions, sideshow alley, galleries - including a 2m tall statue of Michelangelo's David - and even a giant chocolate waterfall. Those wanting something with a little extra kick should head to Purple Hen Winery for delectable sauvignon blancs, viogniers, chardonnays and sparklings.

SEE

Phillip Island Nature Park is home to one of the planet's greatest spectacles, the Penguin Parade, where the world's smallest penguins waddle across the beach at sunset to their sand dune burrows. Rangers monitor and count the penguins as they come ashore in what has been part of a 30-year-long research program. Rug up because the temperature drops rapidly and allow extra time to explore the visitor centre for touchscreen computer activities and presentations, gift shops, cafe and food court, and interpretive wall displays.

The world-class Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is home to major motorsport events such as the Superbike World Championships, V8s and the MotoGP, but you can achieve your own 15 minutes of fame with a spin on the Champ Karts 760m scale replica of the circuit. Set next to the main track, the go kart experience includes a personalised lap time printout so you can check out if you've whipped up the fastest lap time against your family or friends. The venue also has a cafe, History of Motorsport display, and GP Slot Car Track. phillipislandcircuit.com.au

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